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Friday, January 29, 2016

So, these days I am writing something completely different than a new novel. Oh, don't get me wrong, I'm still working a bit here and there on finishing the editing of Book 3 in my Prince of Lynvia series, Of Pretty Plots and Princesses. And still trying to resolve the end of the fourth in that series, Of Dragon Tales and Dopplegangers.

My son (the oldest one) got me started on making an RPG video game, when my YOUNGEST son (now 10) completed one of his own. Yes, that's right, my 10 year old doesn't just play games, he writes them too. Shown up by your pre-teen.

Now, for those not in the know, RPG is not just a programming language I created programs in for 20 years, it is also short for 'Role Playing Game'.

GASP! Yes, I mean the old 'Dungeons and Dragons' type game, repackaged with the computer as the 'Dungeon Master' and you as the character.

Far from being the demonic occult-promoting choose-your-god all-nighter paper and dice game of the old days, the RPG games I played as a young adult mainly focused on the character development and plot.

Kind of like a Story.

So, I cut my teeth on games like Final Fantasy. (And Final Fantasy II, III, IV, V, VI, VIII, IX, and X. Can anyone please explain to Square Enix the meaning of the term 'Final'??)

The game I'm working on is going to be based upon the characters in my Fantasy series, and carry the plot from the end of the series forward. To where, I'm just NOT SAYIN.

But I have several family members and folks in the RPGMaker community helping out with the monster. Still, I imagine it's going to eat up spare time all year. I expect it will be worth it.

For a little teaser, though, I'll give you some pics of some of the characters below...

(SPOILER ALERT: some of the information below you won't know until you finish the first book in my series, Of Secrets and Sorcery. Or, actually, unless you read the... um, information below.

Kyne, the main character, no longer a Prince, now he's King, but still, obviously, a young and wet-behind-the-ears kid with a crown he's going to have to do a lot of growing into.

He's super-strong and invulnerable to most physical attacks. At least, that's the plan...

Lavik, His sassy Tutor, quick with a quip or tidbit of information, always instructing, because, well, Life is your classroom, and Lavik is your... tutor. He's also quite handy with his sword, which proves useful throughout the game.

Anne, one of the bullies that made Kyne's life at Middle School a wreck, has become one of his best friends. She's pretty good with a knife, thanks to years of bickering fights with her older sister, and she also has the ability to predict the future. Well, sorta...

Her faith isn't really out on her sleeve, but it's definitely there. But don't tell anyone, it might tarnish her tough-girl rep.

Destiny, another girl from Middle School, not so much a bully, has become a good friend of Kyne's, and also of his counterpart, Jason, who will be introduced a bit further, below. She's a strong Christian but shy as a Mayfly. Her ability is to disappear when she gets embarrassed. Comes in handy to slip by enemies unnoticed.

Jason is Kyne's counterpart. He's been running for his life for years, and is fed up with that. Now, he mostly just wants a normal teen life. But that's a bit hard to do when you have the ability to Stop Time.

Zip is Kyne's best friend. He's running track, and is very quick on his feet, and just as fast with his wit. Well, not exactly. Not easy to talk faster than 250 MPH.

Zip is very strong in his faith and isn't afraid to share it with anyone who asks. I mean, he's not going to be pushy, but if you ask for it, you're gonna get it.

Anyway, that's it for now.

Reply in the comments to the following question, if you have the time: Have you ever played any RPG games, and if so, what was your favorite?